American Family Field J. Leinenkugel's Barrel Yard

GRAEF was tapped to bring a fresh, modern energy to American Family Field with the design of a year-round beer hall and restaurant aimed at drawing in younger baseball fans and craft beer lovers. The result is a vibrant, welcoming space that comes alive during Brewers games and remains a lively destination no matter the season.

Central to the experience is the on-site brewery, fully visible from the concourse, where gleaming vats take center stage thanks to strategically placed, IP66-rated, aimable color-changing fixtures. These not only spotlight the brewing process but also add visual drama that draws guests in.

To enhance both functionality and atmosphere, GRAEF implemented touchscreen lighting controls at kitchen entrances and in the malt crusher room. These intuitive systems allow staff to adjust lighting scenes and control color-changing fixtures, creating dynamic lighting displays that adapt to events and moods.

Energy efficiency was a key priority throughout the renovation. The bar, brewery, and kitchen areas were transitioned entirely to LED lighting, bringing power usage to 8% below the code maximum. Layered lighting enhances both ambiance and usability, offering enough brightness for easy menu reading while maintaining a cozy, social vibe.

Decorative fixtures add personality and define different zones within the space, while linear fixtures blend seamlessly into the wood-paneled ceiling, ensuring a polished and cohesive look. With sustainability at the forefront, this lighting design not only lowers energy consumption but elevates the guest experience—one brew at a time.